"Linden confident lockout will be avoided"
Sept 16, 2003 3:08:23 GMT -5
Post by Rimmer on Sept 16, 2003 3:08:23 GMT -5
sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2003/hockey/nhl/09/15/linden.lockout.ap/index.html
"Obviously the ownership side has some concerns and I think the players would like to look at those and try and solve them. If it becomes a my way or the highway type of thing, it could get dragged out."
Several high-profile free agents, including Adam Graves, Steve Thomas, Cliff Ronning and Adam Oates didn't sign contracts this summer as teams kept a close watch on their budgets.
Linden said this shows the system works without a salary cap.
"The market sometimes determines what the players make," he said.
"That's what the players have always thought the way it should be. The players will make what teams are willing to pay them. Teams set budgets for themselves and want to keep themselves to that. To set an artificial number takes the integrity out of it for the players."
R.
"Obviously the ownership side has some concerns and I think the players would like to look at those and try and solve them. If it becomes a my way or the highway type of thing, it could get dragged out."
Several high-profile free agents, including Adam Graves, Steve Thomas, Cliff Ronning and Adam Oates didn't sign contracts this summer as teams kept a close watch on their budgets.
Linden said this shows the system works without a salary cap.
"The market sometimes determines what the players make," he said.
"That's what the players have always thought the way it should be. The players will make what teams are willing to pay them. Teams set budgets for themselves and want to keep themselves to that. To set an artificial number takes the integrity out of it for the players."
R.
